(NC) Christopher Columbus, the world's first jet-setter, penned in his logbook on May 4, 1494, Jamaica is the fairest island that eyes have beheld; mountains and the land seem to touch the sky... all full of valleys and fields and plains."
Strong praise from someone so well travelled.
Cooled by trade winds, Jamaica retains the same idyllic warm
temperatures that Columbus would have noted when he came to
shore. And more than  500 years later, the island has the
same great white powder sand beaches, licked by sparkling blue
waters, lining the shore.
It remains an island with such an overabundance of natural
beauty, it's as though the gods tried to outdo nature.
Here you'll find majestic, thundering waterfalls, lush
rainforests and mangroves, grottos and caves, hills and
mountains and great stretches of open fields choked with sugar
cane, pineapple groves and exotic blue mahoe trees.
What really sets Jamaica apart is its culture.
From reggae to dancehall, Bob Marley to  jerk chicken, Red
Stripe beer and Blue Mountain coffee, no other Caribbean
culture has been so universally embraced. Jamaica's homegrown
music, flavours and colours are far too rich to be held by such
a small island.
Runaway Bay, on Jamaica's north coast, is well loved by
vacationers for its exceptional beaches, superb amenities and
great selection of world-class resorts. Among them is the Gran
Bahia Principe Jamaica in Runaway Bay, a five-star all-suite
resort opening winter 2006.
With six restaurants, five bars, three large swimming pools,
mini-club, tennis courts, spa and fitness facilities,
watersports and 24-hour all inclusive, the Gran Bahia Principe
Jamaica will live up to this Spanish chain's reputation for
exceptional dining, first-class entertainment and top-notch
service. Each room has a Jacuzzi tub, mini bar, satellite TV
and balcony or terrace.
Those seeking additional amenities will love Royal Golden at
Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica, available exclusively through
Transat Holidays; it's a special extra well worth
exploring.
Transat Holidays offers weekly flights to Jamaica. For more
information regarding the hotel, or to reserve your exotic
getaway, contact your travel agent.
